Elton John, Dee Murray and Nigel Olsen
Dee Murray was Elton John’s original bass player. And what a player he was. I challenge you to find a more tasteful, interesting, and technically adept player. Of the two top rock bassists of the 70′s, Dee was right there with McCartney. While McCartney was always leaving you with that feeling of almost coming off the tracks, Dee was a player who always seemed in full control of his stack-knob Fender Jazz. There is no better example of this than his playing on “Country Comfort” from Elton’s Tumbleweed Connection album. This song is a prime example of Dee’s mastery. Listen to the upper-register work in the second verse and take yourself to school. Like many of my favorite players, Dee always made the intricate seem effortless and more importantly – appropriate. Do yourself a favor and listen to this track and you’ll understand why he is so deeply missed today.
